How to check tire pressure

Tires have been known to lose up to 1psi (pounds per square inch) every month, so check all tires, including your spare, once a month (or before a long trip).

Low pressure can lead to tire damage. See the inflation difference:

It’s easy. Here’s how:

Purchase a trusted tire pressure gauge.
Check your tires “cold”—before you’ve driven or at least three hours after you’ve driven.
Insert tire pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire. (If you are using a digital tire gauge like the one pictured, the gauge should begin reading the air pressure immediately. Refer to your air pressure gauge owner's manual for correct usage instructions. If using a pencil-style tire gauge, the gauge will pop out and show a measured number. When you hear a hissing sound, that’s air escaping the tire. The escaping air shouldn’t affect pressure substantially, unless you hold down the air pressure gauge too long.)
Compare the measured psi to the psi found on the sticker inside the driver’s door of your vehicle or in the owner’s manual. DO NOT compare to the psi on your tire’s sidewall.
If your psi is above the number, let air out until it matches. If below, add air (or have a Michelin retailer help you) until it reaches the proper number.

Nitrogen versus compressed air

Most tires are filled with compressed air. But some tire retailers have started to put nitrogen into their customers’ tires. (Nitrogen is simply dry air with the oxygen removed. Air contains nearly 79% nitrogen already.) Because nitrogen replaces oxygen, less air can escape your tires, and your inflation pressure stays higher longer. Unfortunately, there are other possible sources of leaks (tire/rim interface, valve, valve/rim interface and the wheel), which prevent the guarantee of pressure maintenance for individuals using air or nitrogen inflation.

Nitrogen and compressed air CAN be mixed, if needed. Tires manufactured by Michelin are designed to deliver their expected performance when inflated with air or nitrogen, as long as the user respects the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle’s placard or by the tire manufacturer.

How to Properly Inflate Your Car Tires

Tire inflation is an important factor to ensure your safety and that of your passengers. If your tire pressure is incorrect, it can also impact your vehicle's operating costs through premature tire wear and higher-than-normal fuel consumption.

In this article, you will learn when you should check your tire pressure and how to inflate tires in 3 simple steps. You will see that tire inflation has to be done differently depending on whether your tires are cold or warm and that the spare wheel should also be checked regularly, although not as often as the other tires.

We will also address the question of the portable tire inflation compressor as an alternative to gas stations and help you decide if you should inflate tires with nitrogen.

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What tire pressure for my car?

Having the correct recommended tire pressure in your vehicle’s tires not only optimizes the performance but also increases your personal safety and those of other road users when driving.

On the other hand, incorrect tire pressure will reduce the grip of your tires and increase your braking distances. It can also damage your tires, reduce their life span and increase your fuel consumption. Let's take a look at how to avoid these risks and what tire pressure is needed for your vehicle.

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Tire pressure